5 Tips to Help Prevent E-Bike Theft

There is a lot to love about e-bikes. In fact, we devote most of our blogs to all of the ways electric bikes make life easier, cheaper, and just more fun! Unfortunately, all of those advantages make e-bikes a very hot commodity among thieves. We've heard countless horror stories about electric bikes being stolen in even seemingly 'safe' situations, like an owner who had his brand new bike stolen from his own driveway just moments after assembling it. 

Whether something similar has happened to you or it's the nightmare that prevents you from buying an e-bike, theft is a major concern! The good news is that it’s largely preventable. Here are our top tips for protecting your e-bike from theft, and recovering your losses if it is stolen. 

1. Lock it Up!

Get a good lock and always use it. When it comes to e-bike locks, you get what you pay for. Flimsy cable locks don't stand up well to a thief with bolt-cutters. Of course no lock is 100% unbreakable, but the point of a lock is to deter bike thieves from even attempting to steal your bike. Always use a high-quality lock, preferably a u-lock, and lock through the frame to the bike stand, and a chain lock or folding lock through the front wheel and frame to the bike stand. Yes, we said it… TWO LOCKS. Using two different locking systems will help deter thieves who are more likely to pass on your e-bike if it’s double locked.  

Locks generally have security ratings and the higher the security rating is, the better the lock. To learn more about e-bike locks, check out this breakdown of ABUS security levels and check out our electric bike locks.  

2. Location, Location, Location

Now that you’re an e-bike security pro, with your locks ready to go, it might be tempting to hide your e-bike in a secluded area. This is a big mistake and provides the ideal clandestine location for a thief to break those new locks. Again, no lock is unbreakable, and hiding your e-bike gives someone more time and privacy to dismantle your locks. The best place to store your e-bike is inside a garage. If you must lock your bike up in public, pick a well-lit and busy place. If there isn’t a bike stand out in front of the business you want to go into, lock your bike to a pole/signpost in plain view. Bike thieves will be less likely to bust out an angle grinder and go to work on breaking your locks if they’re in a busy location

3. Get a Good Alarm

Using a bike alarm on your e-bike is the BEST way to get all eyes on your bike right away, leaving a thief no choice but to abandon their illegal efforts. If you own or are looking at a new Juiced Bike, we offer an amazing dual horn/bike alarm. This alarm is 108 decibels of ‘get your dirty hands off my bike!’ AND keeps you safe while sharing the streets with traffic. The HyperScorpion and HyperScrambler 2 actually come equipped with an alarm so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a separate accessory with those models. Having an alarm isn’t a substitute for locks, but it can absolutely stop tool-carrying bike thieves from trying to hack into your locks. 

4. GPS Tracking

Unfortunately, even after taking all of these precautions, a brave bike thief may still be able to take your e-bike, which is why you should consider theft recovery. Installing a GPS system on your electric bike is one of the few things that can help get your e-bike back quickly. We recommend the Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag. These devices can be hidden in your water bottle cage, under the saddle, or bottom bracket. The NEW G2 52 Volt Battery Pack, pre-selling now, will come standard with a compartment for your Apple AirTag GPS device. If you already own one of our e-bikes, consider placing a Smart Tag beneath the seat/saddle. Using GPS to give authorities the location of your bike is a big advantage and will help aid your recovery efforts.

5. Insurance 

If your e-bike is stolen and you’re not able to recover it with a tracking device, having e-bike insurance is the only way to avoid paying out of pocket for a replacement . Fortunately, there are now insurance policies created specifically for e-bike coverage , like Velosurance. It's also worth checking your home owner’s insurance to see if they already have a policy covering e-bike theft. Many people make the mistake of assuming an e-bike will be covered in their Homeowner’s coverage, but some insurers define e-bikes as a vehicle or even offer separate policies. Be sure to check the policy specifics to ensure your e-bike complies with policy terms.

Ultimately, preventing e-bike theft is the rider's responsibility but there are many reliable and proven ways to minimize security threats. Now that you're equipped with our top tips for preventing theft, it's time to get out there, have some fun, and enjoy all of those amazing benefits of e-bike ownership.